What's your excuse?

Like getting your body back into shape, getting your finances under control and sorted is a tough task, mentally a tough task that is.

Often the biggest hurdle in getting help with your finances is the mental hurdle. The hurdle of hang on this isn't where I want to be, I don't want to be struggling to find that extra $20 to go to the movies this weekend. The hurdle of I really should put that off the credit card but I just want to get this one last thing and then I'll be good.

Its just like saying I'm going to get into shape, I'm going to start jogging every night after work but I'll just have this one piece of chocolate before I start tomorrow.

We all have excuses for putting off those tasks we just don't want to do yet. Whether its the housework, getting fit, losing a few kilos or paying off the credit card, if we aren't committed to the end result we'll always find an excuse. We are human after all.

In my line of work I've heard quite an array of excuses over the years as to why people aren't ready to make that commitment to their money. So what's your excuse?

My friends expect it of me.

I need to get a payrise.

When I get a new job that pays more.

We can't manage without it.

I just need to...

I'll get this month out of the way first.

I'll start with my next pay.

I'm a victim of circumstance.

Have you used any of these with yourself?  They are all variations of the same excuse, you aren't ready to make a change. That change doesn't need to mean brown paper bag lunches but rather a change in your thinking.

Taking control of your finances means making your money a priority and often that means you will need to stop making excuses and start finding positive ways to make changes that suit you, suit your life and will get you the end result you want. Getting your finances under control is all about allowing you to live the life you want. We all want different things from life and therefore our finances need to be different as well.

So like not eating that last piece of chocolate or starting your thrice-weekly exercises, what money excuses can you stop yourself using today.

Once you stop the excuses you can concentrate on the fun stuff, the small changes that will bring positive change with your money and an improvement in your bank balance.

If you don't know where to start, take our free mini finance bootcamp.

If you're a bit more ambitious, start a savings plan to get you motivated.

If you still don't know where to start then just say no once this week to something that is going to cost you money. Whether thats drinks on Friday night, a night out at the movies or that pair of shoes you have your eye on. Say No, just this once. You can always change your mind next week.

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